The season of Advent and Christmas can be such a blur. As a result, we can easily leap-frog the biblical story of Jesus’ birth as we mad-dash to the mall, or attend to a dozen other dizzying responsibilities. 'But don’t we hear that story on Christmas Eve?' Yes, but Christmas Eve sermons tend to be … Continue reading Pondering the nativity
nativity
Full of yourself, or the Spirit?
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them…” (Luke 2:8-9) Have you ever wondered, “Why shepherds?” Why did the angel come to them of all people while they were actively watching against thieves and prey? There are probably … Continue reading Full of yourself, or the Spirit?
When we hear it so much we stop hearing it
It’s one of the most famous stories ever told: The birth of Jesus. We’re about to celebrate it in a few days. Shepherds, angels, and hostile Inn-keepers have appeared in thousands of Christmas pageants for hundreds of years. But when we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we … Continue reading When we hear it so much we stop hearing it
She sobbed when she saw Mary
Richard Mouw and his wife were visiting Gothic cathedrals in France for their vacation. On one of those visits they noticed a young couple pull up on a motorbike. They were both wearing “punk” clothes and hair, and she had her face covered in black and white paint. Mouw watched as they “swaggered” through the cathedral. … Continue reading She sobbed when she saw Mary
When your faith becomes a punching bag
“You know that Jesus wasn’t a real person, right? You know he was just based on ancient myths, right?” That’s what a friend said to me in university. And do you want to know how I replied? It was a REALLY profound response that made them stop in their tracks, change their mind, and immediately … Continue reading When your faith becomes a punching bag
The Up Devotional 